Page 14 - My FlipBook

X INTRODUCTION

seemed impossible, gladly arranged for the publication of the book.
After the delay incidental to the production of a work of this character,
and the necessary subscribers being obtained, this exhaustive history
of early dentistry, by the greatest authority on that subject in the world,
is presented for the serious consideration of the thoughtful and studious
members of the profession.
Dr. Guerini has spent many years of his professional life and large
amounts of money in collecting the material for this work. Our historical
records are scattered through a vast literature, and much of it is of great
antiquity, and it has never before been gathered together and arranged in
such a consecutive, logical order.
The importance and value of dental art and science as a humane
service are well recognized, but we are so accustomed to view the question
from the modern standpoint that we, generally speaking, overlook the
immense work done by our predecessors reaching far back in unbroken
line to the mists of antiquity. It was they who laid the foundations upon
which modern dentistry has been built, and no man can peruse the
record of their efforts as set forth in Dr. Guerini's book without developing
a higher appreciation of their work and a keener realization of the worth
and dignity of the calling which they in common with ourselves followed.
It has been deemed wise to make a few amendments and commentaries,
and when that has been done the amendment has in each case been in-
serted as a foot-note and designated by the initials of the commentator.
The supervision of the work while passing through the press and the
correction of proofs have been entrusted to Dr. Edward C. Kirk, of the
Committee; the index has been prepared by the chairman.

Charles McManus, D.D.S.,
Chairman of Committee on History of Dentistry ^
National Dental Association, U. S. A.